Why does Ashoke name the baby?

In Calcutta, it is traditional for a new baby to be called by a nickname until a good name can be chosen. Ashima and Ashoke have given the right to name their child to Ashima's grandmother. The name has been sent in a letter, but has not yet arrived by the time Ashima and the baby are ready to leave the hospital. Under pressure to give the child a name, Ashoke decides on Gogol, the name of a Russian author he admired and the author of the book he credits with saving his life the night of the train wreck. This will remain Gogol's legal name until the grandmother's letter arrives and they are able to give their child a proper name.